Blessed to be a Blessing

Scripture:
May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face shine on us -
so that your ways may be known on earth,
    your salvation among all nations.
Psalms 67:1-2

Observation: The psalmist prays for God's blessing - not just enough to live but also for God's grace, blessing, and his very presence to radiate upon us - for a specific purpose. That purpose is so that God may be known on earth ... that his ways may be known to others, and his salvation may be known throughout the entire world.

Application: Yesterday we discussed what God's "promise" - his covenant with mankind - really was. The promise isn't about abundant blessing, but about eternal life. That does not mean God doesn't provide abundant blessing ... he does! However, as the psalmist is indicating, that blessing has a Godly purpose. That purpose is NOT what most Christians believe (or wish) it to be:

-- Blessing is NOT our reward for faith.
-- Blessing is NOT the prize for following the commandments.
-- Blessing is NOT the natural result of sinless living.
-- Blessing is NOT our payment for tithing.
-- Blessing is NOT gifts of love from our heavenly father.

Again, all of those are what our eternal life is. Instead, blessing a tool God provides in order to make himself manifestly known to others.

There are only three ways I can think of to make that work. First, I have to give God the glory for all my blessings. I have to do this not just in my heart, but outwardly ... I must tell others that God provided me with my blessings, and publicly give him acknowledgment and glory for that. Second, I must put the blessings to the work of making God known to those who don't know him. I must tithe it to the work of the church, gift it to missions, and give it to others in need. Thirdly, I must use the resources to personally demonstrate Christ to others. I must be generous with my belongings and time in order to warrant time to discuss the Gospel with non believers. I must open my home to others to foster relationships where I can share my faith. I must be prepared to sacrifice my own comfort to take the message to others.

Too often, we all think of God's blessing as something we get as a reward for belief. However, the lesson is different: Eternal life is our reward for our faith; Blessing is something God entrusts us with so we can further his purposes on earth.

Prayer: Lord, I strive to be a faithful steward of your blessings so I can make you known. Please put upon my heart your lesson of where I may be failing in this, and guide me to be more faithful. I do not wish your blessing withdrawn, but likewise I strive not to covet your blessings ... I wish to be a conduit that can pass your blessing to others - that I am blessed to be a blessing - and thus show the love of Jesus to others. Not to me, but to you only be all honor and glory! Amen.